BARRY COURTER: Lisa, when it comes to cool venues (pun intended) to see a live music show, a cave might not come immediately to mind, but that’s only because there aren’t many such places around the world. But we actually have two now.
LISA DENTON: We spend a lot of time in caves around here, don’t we? But – fun fact – it’s because we have more caves than any other state, according to the National Caves Association. Some are commercial caves where we can see waterfalls or ride through in boats. And some we just spelunk or watch bats fly out of. But I’m thinking the acoustics are perfect as music venues.
BARRY: I talked with Bluegrass Underground founder Todd Mayo last week. He’s one of those guys who seizes an opportunity when it presents itself. I’m the guy who has probably had a ton of doors opened for me over the years, but instead of taking advantage, I shut them while yelling, “Are we trying to cool the great outdoors here?”
LISA: Yes, and make sure you get those kids off your lawn before you close the door.
BARRY: Anyway, Todd had the idea a decade ago to put live music into Cumberland Caverns after seeing the cave. He recently bought some property in Pelham, Tenn., with an even bigger cave, so he moved the series.